Junior Rasmussen
Wedding dress fashion has evolved significantly over time, influenced by societal shifts, aesthetic preferences, technological advancements, and cultural trends. The concept of a wedding dress as we know it today, with its emphasis on individuality, simplicity, and modern elegance, is a relatively recent development. The history of the wedding dress is shorter than the history of weddings or marriage, and the styles and designs of these dresses have been shaped by various factors, including social norms, economic conditions, and personal expression.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | The tradition of wearing a single-use wedding dress emerged after WWII, when society became more prosperous and clothing became cheaper to produce. |
| Colour | White wedding dresses became popular in the Western world after Queen Victoria wore a white gown in 1840. Since the mid-20th century, white has been the dominant colour for Western wedding dresses, although this is not universal. |
| Style | Wedding dress styles have evolved over time, reflecting broader cultural trends. In recent years, vintage-inspired, minimalist, and modern designs have gained popularity, with an emphasis on personal expression. |
| Length | Wedding dress lengths have varied over time, from full-length gowns in the 1950s to shorter hemlines in the 1960s and modern times. |
| Individuality | With a growing acceptance of diverse marriage types, there is no longer a standard way to do bridalwear. Brides often opt for custom-made gowns or non-traditional outfits to express their individual style. |
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What You'll Learn
Queen Victoria's wedding dress
The modern wedding dress, as we know it today, with its white colour and voluminous skirt, can be traced back to Queen Victoria's wedding dress. In 1840, Queen Victoria married her first cousin, Albert, the German Prince of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. She wore a white gown, designed by Mary Bettans, featuring a cinched waist, a voluminous skirt, and layers of ivory Spitalfields silk and Honiton lace.
Queen Victoria's choice of a white wedding dress was unusual for a monarch at the time. She wrote in her journal:
> "I wore a white satin dress, with a deep flounce of Honiton lace, an imitation of an old design. My jewels were my Turkish diamond necklace & earrings & dear Albert's beautiful sapphire brooch."
The white colour was chosen to highlight the delicate lace, and perhaps to symbolise her pure love for her husband. Dr Jennifer Steadman, curator of the exhibition "Victorian Fashion Crosses the Pond", suggests that Victoria "wanted to be seen as his wife, so she didn’t wear the red ermine robe of state. She wore white." Steadman goes on to explain how all representations in Godey's and other fashion magazines picked up on that. The white wedding dress became the standard symbol for innocence and romance.
The style of Queen Victoria's dress also influenced the bridal gowns that followed. The cinched waist and voluminous skirt, supported by crinolines and petticoats, became the norm for wedding dresses. This trend continued into the Edwardian era, with delicate, loose-fitting gowns and high necks, ruffles, and long sleeves.
Today, wedding dresses come in a variety of styles and designs, with a focus on individual expression and comfort. While white is still a popular choice, it is no longer the only option, and brides are embracing a range of colours and styles to reflect their unique personalities.
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Wedding dresses in the 1950s and 60s
Wedding dresses have evolved significantly over time, influenced by shifts in aesthetic preferences, technological advancements, and cultural trends. The wedding dresses we consider "traditional" today are mostly modern inventions, regardless of their place of origin.
Wedding Dresses in the 1950s and 1960s:
The 1950s and 1960s wedding dresses exuded timeless elegance and sophistication. Here are some characteristics of wedding dresses from this era:
1950s Wedding Dresses:
The 1950s wedding dresses are known for their iconic, tailored, structured, and ultra-feminine silhouettes. The focus was often on accentuating the waist, creating the famous hourglass figure popularized by Hollywood icons like Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield. Soft laces, intricate beadwork, and sleek outlines were also common elements. Tea-length dresses, which fall between the ankle and calf, were a popular choice for 1950s brides, offering a blend of vintage charm and modern elegance.
1960s Wedding Dresses:
The 1960s witnessed a continuation of the elegant and classy styles from the previous decade, with some unique twists. Short dresses, often reaching knee length, became popular. These dresses featured various necklines, such as the sophisticated Queen Anne neckline with cap sleeves or the more revealing illusion necklines. Lace remained a prominent feature, with some dresses incorporating romantic colours like ice blue or elegant black lace.
The wedding dresses from this era continue to inspire modern bridalwear, with many brides opting for vintage-inspired gowns that blend classic elements with contemporary touches, reflecting their unique style and personality.
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Wedding dress colour meanings
The modern wedding dress as we know it today, with its white colour and elaborate design, largely originated in the 19th century. Prior to that, brides often wore their best dress or a special gown in a variety of colours, and it was common for dresses to be reused or dyed for future use.
Now, here is the information on wedding dress colour meanings:
The traditional colour for a wedding dress is white, which has long been seen as a symbol of purity, innocence, and virginity. This tradition is thought to have begun with Queen Victoria, who wore a white gown when she married Prince Albert in 1840. By choosing white, she not only set a fashion precedent but also emphasized the notion of purity and virtue associated with marriage and the bride.
However, in modern times, brides are not limited to white and often choose to add a touch of colour to their wedding dress or opt for a coloured gown altogether. The choice of colour can carry symbolic meaning and express the bride's personality and style. For example:
- Ivory or off-white: These colours are often chosen by brides who want a traditional look but with a subtle twist. Ivory symbolizes warmth, elegance, and richness, while off-white can represent simplicity and understated beauty.
- Blush pink: A soft, romantic shade of pink carries meanings of femininity, sweetness, and innocence. It is often chosen by brides who want a delicate and ethereal look.
- Red: A bold and dramatic choice, red symbolizes passion, love, and desire. In some cultures, red is the traditional colour for a wedding dress, symbolizing good luck and prosperity.
- Blue: A blue wedding dress can represent serenity, tranquility, and stability. It is often associated with loyalty and faithfulness, making it a meaningful choice for a lifelong commitment.
- Green: Representing nature and new beginnings, green is an increasingly popular choice for eco-conscious brides. It symbolizes growth, harmony, and a fresh start.
The colour chosen for a wedding dress can be a way for the bride to express her unique style and add a personal touch to her wedding day attire. Whether sticking with the traditional white or opting for a colourful gown, the choice of colour can carry symbolic meaning and make a statement about the bride's personality and values.
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Wedding dresses in non-Western cultures
China
In Chinese culture, the wedding dress, known as a cheongsam or qipao, is traditionally made of silk or brocade fabric and features a mandarin collar. The colour red symbolises good luck, happiness, and joy, so Chinese brides often wear red paired with gold jewellery. The fabric may also include a phoenix, representing the bride, and a dragon, representing the groom, symbolising a harmonious marriage. Many Chinese brides also participate in an elaborate wedding photoshoot in a Western white dress.
India
Indian bridal looks often include intricate embellishments and vibrant hues. Jewelry is also an important part of Indian weddings, with each piece having cultural or spiritual significance. For instance, the placement of a maang tikka signifies that the bride is married. Additionally, Indian brides traditionally have their hands and feet adorned with mehndi, or henna.
Kenya
While Kenya has embraced Western culture in weddings, many still preserve their traditions. Before the Western-style wedding, traditional ceremonies are held where the bride and groom wear matching modern 'African' looks. These outfits may feature printed fabrics from West Africa, such as ankara, adire, and kente, or embroidered kaftans inspired by Arabic and West African influences. Western dress styles are sometimes mixed with "African print" embellishments.
Tibet
In traditional Tibetan ceremonies, betrothed women wear a layered white dress made of wool with colourful aprons or vibrant robes.
Yemen
In Yemen, the bride's hands and legs are decorated with henna, and her body is adorned with jewels and gold.
Guatemala
In Guatemala, the focus is on the veil, with the belief that a longer veil signifies greater happiness in the marriage. Veils can be over six feet long. Brides wear a Patzun Huipil, a traditional embroidered blouse, and a matching skirt.
Scotland
Despite the influence of Western styles, the traditional Scottish weaving pattern, known as tartan, is still prevalent in Scottish weddings.
Nigeria
Nigeria has 371 distinct tribes, each with its own unique wedding traditions and clothing. While some tribes have specific garments, others blend Western and traditional styles.
Pakistan
Pakistani brides often wear wide-legged pants and a gharara, a brightly coloured tunic. Colours such as gold, yellow, purple, pink, and red are common, and the outfit is accented with jewels.
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The single-use wedding dress
The tradition of the single-use wedding dress emerged from two societal shifts: increased prosperity following World War II and the decreased cost of clothing production due to the Industrial Revolution. This phenomenon was also influenced by the obsession with white wedding gowns, which gained popularity as couture designers created wedding looks for private clients, often concluding their summer couture runways with a white wedding gown.
Historically, bridal attire was influenced by the prevailing styles of the time, with wealthy brides showcasing their social status through bold colours, layers of furs, velvet, and silk, while brides from lower social classes wore their best church dress. The amount and price of the material in a wedding dress directly reflected the bride's social standing.
In the early 20th century, the hemlines of wedding dresses began to vary, with designers raising hemlines a few inches off the floor, creating a wartime crinoline look. This evolution not only expanded the available styles but also made dresses more affordable, as shorter skirts required less fabric. As a result, middle-class brides could afford more opulent dresses with detailed bodices and shorter skirts.
The 1950s and 1960s marked a significant shift in wedding dress fashion, with shorter, flirtier, and more playful styles gaining popularity. While some brides continued to favour traditional long and full dresses, they added a modern twist by going off the shoulder or strapless. The 1960s also witnessed a departure from the traditional white wedding dress, with brides embracing bright colours and playful designs.
Today, wedding dresses showcase a diverse array of styles, reflecting individual expression and personal preferences. While some brides still opt for traditional gowns, others embrace unique looks, such as caped jumpsuits or matching suits. The focus has shifted towards wearing what makes the individual feel special, with online communities emerging to support non-traditional brides in finding their perfect outfit.
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Frequently asked questions
Wedding dresses have been around for centuries, but the idea of a single-use wedding dress is a more modern concept, becoming popular after WWII when society became more prosperous.
White wedding dresses became popular after Queen Victoria wore a white gown when she married Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha in 1840. However, the colour white has been associated with brides since the early modern period.
In the 1950s, wedding dresses were full and long, but by the 1960s, shorter, flirtier styles became more popular. Some brides in the 60s also opted for mini dresses and bright colours instead of the traditional white.
Modern wedding dresses come in a wide range of styles and designs, with many brides opting for custom-made gowns. Some popular trends include vintage-inspired dresses, convertible gowns, and crystal embellishments.
There are several theories as to why wedding dresses are white. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, white is used as a symbol of purity, innocence, and cleanliness. In Chinese folklore, princesses wore white phoenix dresses to bring good luck and strength in their marriages.
